Ford Acts on Faulty NACS Adapters, Offering Replacements
Published: October 21st, 2024.
Ford is issuing replacement adapters to their electric vehicle (EV) customers after identifying a potential issue that could damage the vehicles when using Tesla’s Supercharger network. The company has advised customers to stop using the adapters immediately, warning that continued use could result in reduced charging speeds or, in some cases, damage to the charging port.
This action comes just months after Ford EV drivers, including those with Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models, gained access to Tesla’s Supercharger network across the U.S. and Canada.
Ford EVs currently require an adapter to connect to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, though starting in 2025, Ford plans to build their vehicles with built-in NACS ports. However, it appears that a recent batch of adapters provided by Ford is faulty, prompting the automaker to replace them.
According to a service bulletin sent to affected customers, Ford stated that using the original adapters could lead to long-term charging issues or even physical damage to the vehicle’s charging port. Ford did not provide specific details about the damage but emphasized the importance of replacing the adapters to avoid any risk to the vehicles.
Ford said, “We do not recommend using the adapter initially supplied to you with any vehicle from this time on, and we will be sending you a replacement.” The company treats the issue as a customer service action rather than a recall, urging all affected customers to return the original adapters as soon as possible.
Starting October 28, Ford will distribute free replacement adapters. Customers are encouraged to confirm or update their details in the FordPass app by October 24 to guarantee delivery to the correct address. For fleet customers, verifying information directly with their National Account Manager is necessary.
While Ford has not elaborated on the exact nature of the problem, InsideEVs reports that the issue affects only “a certain recent batch” of adapters. Some customers have reported receiving notifications about the issue, and there have been cases of charging disruptions, such as flashing red lights on charging ports, which indicate a problem with the connection.
Although Ford was the first automaker to roll out support for Tesla’s Supercharger network, this adapter issue seems to be a minor hiccup in an otherwise beneficial collaboration. The affected adapters are thought to impact charging speeds, and Ford warns that prolonged use could lead to more serious damage over time.
Interestingly, Ford’s competitors, such as Rivian and General Motors, who also use NACS adapters for their EVs, have reported no similar issues. Both companies have confirmed that their customers can continue using their adapters with Tesla Superchargers without concern. This suggests that Ford’s adapter problem may be isolated to a specific batch and not indicative of a broader issue with the NACS standard.
Ford is working swiftly to provide replacements, ensuring a safe and seamless charging experience for its EV customers. Affected Ford owners should stop using the current adapters and wait for their replacements to arrive to avoid potential damage.